New Delhi, Aug 12: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday strongly criticized the Supreme Court’s recent directive to remove all stray dogs from the Delhi-NCR region, calling it a regressive move that undermines decades of humane, science-based animal welfare policy.
"These voiceless souls are not 'problems' to be erased," Gandhi said in a post on X.
“Shelters, sterilisation, vaccination, and community care can keep streets safe—without cruelty. Blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted, and strip us of compassion. We can ensure public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand,” he said.
On Monday, the Supreme Court ordered the authorities in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to begin immediately relocating stray dogs from all neighborhoods to designated dog shelters. The directive has sparked widespread criticism from animal rights groups and advocates.
In response, activists staged a protest at India Gate on Monday, which was swiftly disrupted by police. Several demonstrators were detained, including caregivers who feed and care for stray dogs.
“They don’t want us to speak out. Everyone is being thrown into jail. I’m being detained for doing the noble work of feeding animals,” said one protester while being taken into custody.
Animal rights organization PETA India also condemned the order. Shaurya Agrawal, PETA India Advocacy Associate, called the decision "impractical and illogical," arguing it violates existing animal birth control (ABC) regulations.
Speaking to ANI, Agrawal explained, “The Delhi government had 24 years to properly implement sterilisation under the ABC rules. Delhi has around 10 lakh (1 million) dogs, and only half have been sterilised. Housing them all in shelters is not only impractical—it’s going to create chaos.”
He further described the directive as "inhumane and cruel in itself," adding that PETA is currently exploring legal options to challenge the ruling.
“The conditions in shelters are going to be extremely poor,” Agrawal warned. “We are examining all our legal avenues to oppose this order.”
(With ANI inputs)
